Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook Fined for Obscene Gesture Against Knicks
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture during a game against the New York Knicks on Nov. 25 at Ball Arena, the league announced Friday morning.
In what was Westbrook’s standout performance in a Nuggets jersey, the former MVP scored 27 points, including four three-pointers, during Denver’s 145-118 home loss to New York. The gesture occurred late in the fourth quarter when the Nuggets were trailing by 26 points. After sinking a corner three-pointer, Westbrook turned around and flipped off the Knicks’ bench, seemingly in response to taunts from the opposing players.
This season, Westbrook has excelled in his bench role for Denver. The nine-time All-Star has capitalized on his minutes, averaging 12.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. Improving his catch-and-shoot three-point game has been a focus for the veteran and the Nuggets’ coaching staff.
Over the last six games, including two without Nikola Jokic, Westbrook has averaged 16.2 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. He reached a career milestone on Nov. 17, recording his 200th triple-double against the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the first NBA player to achieve this feat.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has lauded Westbrook for his leadership and grit, particularly as Denver has lost many veteran players over recent years.
“I think he’s been incredible for us. His offensive productivity tonight was great… and defensively, he’s been a rockstar,” Malone said after a 124-122 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in November. “What I love about Russell Westbrook: 17 years in the league, and he’s trying so hard to stay disciplined and do what we’re asking of him. That’s rare at this stage of a player’s career. He’s so invested in this team and so tough on himself.
“I can coach a guy like Russell Westbrook any day because he’s a competitor and a tough guy. I want him in my foxhole.”
The Nuggets aim to improve their record to 11-7 when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 1 in LA.